Thanks for all the people who reviewed, and I would like to remind all of you that this fic has an Edward's POV under Us: To/get/her. They are technically standalones but I think but POV's are important to get a good feel of the story.
"They pay homage to a king
Whose dreams are burried
In their minds
His tears are frozen stiff
Icicles drip from his eyes
Have they lost their heads
Or are they just all blind mice"
No Doubt
Tragic kingdom
I woke up early that Friday, a rare occurrence, and went shopping. After all, I needed a brand new wardrobe. I decided to go for sexy chic.
A ton of pants, skirts, bags, shoes and tops later, I was back in my hotel room, not cheered up at all by the amount of money I'd spent. I called Alice but there was no answer. She was probably already at work.
I decided to check out my new school, in a futile attempt to find something interesting to do.
"This should be the perfect opportunity to have some fun," I thought, amused by my idea.
I dressed inconspicuously and a little out of style, tying my hair back in a severe bun. It had proven to be my way of blending through a crowd. I didn't want people to recognize me, though I was pretty sure they'd never seen a picture. I avoided to be photographed like it was a plague and Alice was always saddened by it. No scrapbooking opportunities, though I had allowed her to take a picture of us together a year ago.
I took a cab and asked the driver to wait for me when he stopped in front of Mountrose high school.
It seemed pretty decent from the outside, a little too goodie-goodie for my taste, but all right. I just hoped there were no uniforms here, because I simply would die.
I had a quick look around. This place was so bizarre. The lockers were wooden panelled and double French doors were leading to the classrooms. The cafeteria looked more like the lobby of the four seasons than anything, and students were drinking coffee and croissants on maple wood tables. I found the principal's office quickly. He was very welcoming since I had an appointment.
"I'd like to come here in the fall and my father thought it would be a good idea for me to get acquainted with the students before the summer." I batted my eyelashes and smiled. He was eating in my hand. It helped of course that I called earlier posing as my mother and discussed a very pricey one week trial. He welcomed me to Montrose high school in no time, and the secretary handed me a course schedule. I was on my way out when I was pushed by a rude boy. He didn't even look at me for a second as he as he said a weak "sorry" out of habit more than politeness. I caught a glimpse of his face before he turned the corner. It was the hot guy from last night. "I can't believe it."
I went to check if it was really him. He was now sitting at a table with two other boys and it was definitely him. His frown was gone now, replaced by a cocky grin. He didn't seem to have any sorrow to drown today. He was really fucking flawless and I wetted my lips. Maybe I could indulge myself one little flirt. I hadn't got off properly in ages and he surely looked like he could show a girl a good time.
A redhead girl spotted me staring at the hottie and walked over to me. She was dressed very fashionably and really pretty, if you like the slutty type. I cursed inwardly; I really didn't want to be noticed today.
"Oh my god, they still make those?" She laughed as she pointed to my glasses.
"Yes, you have a problem?" I asked curtly.
"No, it's just so funny to see someone of your... sort," she insulted me, still laughing. I spotted her name on her planner. Victoria. "I saw you staring at Edward," she continued. "He's handsome isn't he? Too bad he wouldn't look twice at someone like you," she said, her voice like silk, contrasting with her words.
I smirked. "It doesn't seem he's interested in you either." I pointed to the guy, a blonde now sitting on his knees. She cringed and I knew I hit a homerun. I grinned. Girls like her were always so easy to torture. The guy just looked smug and arrogant; she could have him for all I cared.
I started walking back towards the entrance, putting my horrible glasses back into my purse, when my smile faltered. What name had she called him? Edward? My breath caught in my throat. Edward... as in Edward Cullen? I gasped out loud. Of course, the apparently obnoxious but drop dead gorgeous guy would be him; I was always tortured by faith.
I took a deep breath, and a wicked idea planted itself in my mind. This wasn't bad luck, this was the most exciting way to get to meet my father. I didn't have to dread all week the day he would come to pick me up; I could just walk into his home and meet him on my own terms while messing with dear brother. I grinned widely, and got into my cab. I just had to be invited home by Edward, and from what I'd seen he wouldn't be too difficult to convince. I texted Alice.
From BellCullen : to Alicexoxo :
Got an evil plan. Call me later. By the way, major development on hot stranger.
My phone vibrated almost instantly.
From Alicexoxo to BellCullen:
I knew he was too hot for you to resist. So?
I decided to wait until I could talk to her on the phone.
I spent the rest of day shopping, preparing for tomorrow, reflecting on my day. I would miss my weekly trips to the mall in Port Angeles with Alice. It was at an equal distance from our homes, and we met there all the time. I used to hate shopping, but it had been the most enjoyable part of my life for almost two years now, so I'd come around. I wished Alice was with me.
At about seven, my phone rang. Alice was finally done with school.
"Hey." I answered, smiling.
"Bella, I resent you," she said. I could almost see her pout.
"What?" I asked innocently.
"I've been in my stupid, boring classes all day and you teased me with some juicy story only to make me wait all afternoon? You're mean," she whined.
"You love me anyway," I teased her.
"Whatever, just spill," she commanded as I left the store with my purchases.
"Well, you remember the hot stranger?"
She scoffed. "Do I remember him? I've been daydreaming about him since you sent me the picture," she giggled.
"Well, I went to visit my new high school today ant he was there."
"Oh my god, did you talk to him?"
I prepared myself for the punch line. "No, but I found out his name... Let me spell it out for you: Edward C.U.L.L.E.N." The line was silent for a moment and I held my phone a little further from my ear, just in case.
"Oh my god. Are you kidding me?" She screamed so high it hurt my ear even though the phone was half a feet away from me.
"You've gone ultrasonic, Ali."
"Sorry," she continued in a quieter tone. "I don't believe you, you knew it was him and you're just messing with me. He's so incredibly–"
"I swear I didn't know," I chuckled.
She rambled a little about the chances of my half brother being so cute. She asked if I could introduce them.
"Ew, Ali, he looks like a total prick, and besides we don't like him, remember?" I hated him by default and she better take my side. I was getting tired of hearing how hot he was, I thought about it myself far enough for today.
"Well, you should give him a chance. It's not his fault your father is an asshole, besides, with a face like that, I would forgive him anything... God, his body must be even better..." she daydreamed, and I felt betrayed. I didn't want her to date Edward; I wanted her to help me bring him down.
"I'm this close to hang up on you; I can practically see you drooling." I decided to tell her about the plan later since she was clearly in love with Edward and wouldn't approve.
"You're just jealous you can't fool around with him anymore because he's your half-brother," she teased, and I wondered if I should tell her he wasn't. I had never told her because it wasn't important and now, for some obscure reason, I didn't want her to know. It felt safer not to. It was like this lie was protecting me somehow.
"Goodbye," I grumbled before closing my phone. I didn't know why I was so annoyed. I didn't want to give him any chance at all. I didn't want to soften my opinion of Carlisle in any way. I didn't want to be here. I felt the tears coming again. "God, what is that?"
I took a long bath and relaxed. It sucked to be here, sure, but I needed to make the best of it.
At nine, I decided to call it a night and read in bed until my eyes were too heavy.
I shopped a lot again on Saturday and Sunday, making sure I had everything I needed.
On Monday, I had my game face on. I took a good hour getting ready. I let my brown big curls float on my shoulders. I knew guys were crazy about my hair. I also put everything in my favour clothes wise, wearing a short but yet classy jean skirt. My heels were only 2 inches high and my black blouse subtly accentuated my breast. I was proud of myself.
I didn't anticipate the traffic on the bridge and arrived slightly late. I wasn't the only one. I spotted Victoria by her locker, alone. I could tell she wasn't used to being so late and she was fumbling furiously through her bag. I ignored her and went to the empty locker the secretary had assigned to me. She looked vaguely in my direction once she closed hers and I saw her freeze.
"Oh my god, lost the glasses today?" She mocked in a shaky voice. I knew she'd recognize me. I wanted it. I could literally see the envy and shock written on her face when she spotted my shoes. I smiled innocently, plunging into my Alice persona.
Alice and I practiced for years at mimicking each other and switching persona. I wanted Victoria to think I was a sweet girl. She scoffed and I just went back to my things. I realised I was headed for the same class as her and when I opened the door, the teacher pointed to his watch and to an empty seat in the front. I had a quick look around, dear brother wasn't here.
All first period, Victoria looked at me from the corner of her eyes, looking either worried or annoyed. She wasn't the only one. Everyone was whispering between themselves, trying to know where I was from. A second after the class ended a reasonably attractive blond and athletic boy was beside me.
"Hey, I'm Mike Newton." He smiled, offering me his hand to shake.
"I'm Alice Swan." I lied, taking Alice's voice.
"Nice to meet you, Alice, what's your next class?"
"Gym."
A winning smile spread on his lip. "Me too, come on, I'll show you around." I nodded and followed him out. I watched closely as he interacted with the people we crossed on the way, and officially gave him the rank of king of the middle class. He wasn't part of the royalty around here, but he was the next in line. He informed me quickly that most groups weren't very open on new members, and that I should hang with him and his friends. I subtly disregarded every mention of my parent's name or my fortune.
"I'll see you inside," he said, entering the guy's locker room.
"Ok," I beamed and he looked pleased.
I went in the girl's room and only a few girls were still there. Some were gossiping; others were almost staring at me, whispering, and one said a shy "hi" to me. I decided to change by her.
"I'm Alice," I introduced myself to her. She seemed nicer than anyone around here.
She looked surprised. "Angela."
"It's so intimidating to be stared at like that," I confided.
"I was new last year. It goes away," she said, nodding.
"Any tips?" I asked. She seemed to gauge me for a second. She was probably trying to determine if I was worth the advice she could give me.
"Be careful who you trust," she said, and I got the impression she'd had a pretty rough time being the new kid. I was so taken aback by her sudden and bitter warning that I finished dressing in silence.
My white shorts were just that: short. I didn't own a gym uniform yet and I turned a lot of jealous heads as I put them on.
Angela seemed unsure again. Victoria was probably the tip of the iceberg here given the worried glances girls were giving me. I felt a pang of guilt about lying to Angela but quickly brushed it aside. I personally wasn't an angel and wasn't ashamed of it. I followed her into the gym and Mike came to speak with us. He was a friend of hers. I noticed Edward was in this class, so I made sure every guy was staring at me as I laced my sneakers. Slowly, an ocean of boys lined up next to me. That finally caught his attention. I watched from the corner of my eyes as he took my appearance in. He seemed enthralled for a second. I made sure no to look at him in the eyes but followed his reaction. The guys around him whispered, all looking in my direction. He was literally undressing me with his eyes. I smiled inwardly. Piece of cake.
I followed Mike and Angela down to the cafeteria after class. I sat with them and their friends. The girls were nice and hated Victoria. Angela was still my favourite. She really seemed to care about getting to know me, not just because I was the flavour of the day. Then Jessica whispered into my ear.
"Edward Cullen is staring at you," she said, and I acted surprised. Angela looked sombre.
"Who?" I asked innocently, and Jess looked at me like I was an alien.
"Edward Cullen, THE Edward Cullen."
I raised my eyebrows naively.
"He's like the richest guy of the east coast. And he's soooo hot. His body is, like, better than Brad's," she chanted.
"Brad?" I was lost.
"Brad Pitt of course," she scoffed, and I almost laughed out loud. This girl was really something. I bet she dreamed of going to prom or some lame dance with Edward every night.
"He's with Victoria, Jess, you really should forget him." Mike warned, clearly intending me to hear Edward was taken.
"I'm just saying he's into Alice, and we should warn her," she replied hastily.
I was now curious.
"Warn me about what?" I asked; eager to hear the dirt on dear brother.
Jessica looked excited to tell me.
"The Elite. That's what we call them. They rule everything here. They are about ten, counting Edward and Victoria. Everyone wants to get in, of course, but only the richest can. When you're part of the crowd, you're untouchable. The teachers let them get away with murder. Ben used to be one of us actually, but his dad got a big promotion..."
Angela seemed almost sick at this point.
"If they don't like you, they can alter your grades or whatever they want. They've done it all. We really try to stay in their good graces," Mike added.
"Yep, the ones unapproved by them don't even eat here; they have lunch with the younger crowd," Jess explained.
I almost snorted out loud, people were actually afraid to eat here? Well that was completely grotesque.
"Tyler and Emmett are seniors, so this is their last year. The girls, however, are our age," Mike continued.
"Most of them are ok, but stay clear of Victoria and Lauren," Jess concurred.
"What about this Edward?" I asked, feigning light curiosity when I was dying to know. They all looked at each other with mixed expressions.
"Edward is indefinable," Jess sighed, clearly smitten with him.
I smiled, glancing in Edward's direction. He wasn't there anymore.
So what do you think of Bella's wicked idea, will it work ? Till next time R&R.
Elmo13
